At least 9 dead as South Sudan rival forces clash in Amadi State

Juba, February 5, 2019 (SSNA) — Rival forces of the National Salvation Front (NAS) and the government have clashed in Western Equatoria’s Amadi State, an official says.

Amadi State’s deputy governor, Manasseh Dobuyi was quoted by the Eye Radio that government troops have clashed with the NAS in an area located in Kediba.

The report indicates that the attacks, which happened last on Saturday and Sunday, forced civilians to flee to areas under the control of the National Salvation Front, a move which shows the local citizens support the NAS. The deputy governor also said the dead include at least two civilians.

The South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) was told by an intelligence source last week that the South Sudanese government has ordered its troops to attack the National Salvation Front because the group refuses to support the September 2018 peace agreement. The SSNA was also told that the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) also involved in the clashes. It is, however, not clear if the armed opposition fight alongside the NAS against government troops.

The fact has to be told, SSPDF has never been to Kedi’ba since 2018, Kedi’ba was controlled by SPLA io forces. Therefore, it was NAS that attacked IO forces in Kedi’ba and wandi in former east Mundri county. Currently Kedi’ba is under the control of NAS.